Episode 15: Living and Thriving with ADD – Makayla Caliendo

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In this Episode

• Makayla Caliendo talks about her experience growing up with ADD
• What helped create a significant shift in her ability to cope 
• Tips about what she has done to help her to focus in school
• Advice for how parents and teachers can help their student with ADD

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Episode Highlight

“My parents wouldn’t shame me because they know it’s not my fault. My teacher would never yell at me for having ADD. I can’t control it.” – Makayla Caliendo

It’s really difficult to imagine what life is like with ADD when you don’t have it. This means that oftentimes we mistakenly treat it like a behavioral issue that needs discipline. Fortunately, more teachers and parents are becoming aware of ADD symptoms and approaching students with more patience and compassion. This can have such a profound effect on students, as is the case with Makayla.

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Resources

• Pay Addention email address / Pay ADDention Facebook
• CHADD – Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) for resources and local ADHD support groups
• What a Difference the Teacher Can Make – Blog article
• Move Your Body Energize Your Brain – Blog article

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Bonus Q&A

What’s important for parents to know to better support their child with ADD or ADD-like symptoms?

According to Makayla, it is to have plenty of patience, and reset your expectations of school performance as your child is learning to cope with ADD/ADHD. Most importantly, acknowledge and validate the child’s efforts.